FIVE PIECES TO EASE BACK TO WORK BLUES

Looking for wardrobe wonders that will beat the back-to-the-boardroom blues? From the blazer that’s not all business to the bag that will lift all-black looks, our back-to-work edit is not to be missed…

1. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

Plain, printed or button-embellished, wide-leg trousers, with their leg-lengthening silhouette, will make for one very chic commute.

Buy: A pair for every day of the week in every imaginable shade. We love a baby-pink pair with pressed pleats. Temper the loose fit with a stretch-knit bodysuit or peplum top.

2. THE BLAZER JACKET

Who doesn’t need a blazer that can double as a jacket? The perfect two-in-one blazer is tailored to perfection and will make you stand a little taller, whether you’re strutting into the boardroom or a rooftop bar.

Buy: An asymmetric crepe blazer with notched lapels or a double-breasted style edged with contrast piping. Both will polish the most basic of looks.

3. THE STATEMENT BAG

You can mean business and never have to do the boring black tote. Whether it’s a velvet royal-blue bucket bag or a forest-green backpack with doodle print detailing, your weekday holdall can and should have some personality. It will give you and your cubicle neighbour something other than the weather to talk about.

Buy: When in doubt, start small. If hunting for a statement bag is not your forte, try a bucket bag in taupe or navy with a long contrast leather (or printed) strap.

4. THE SLIP DRESS

If a slinky slip dress doesn’t put a bit of pep in your step, we don’t know what will. As seen on every high-street mannequin and part-time model since springtime, the slip dress has catapulted in popularity, and it’s futile to resist its charms.

Buy: A plissé-crepe style that stops just short of the knees. It’s lightweight, fluid and, most importantly, it will effortlessly flatter the figure.

5. THE ACCESSORY

From fringed key rings to feather-trimmed necklaces, your back-to-business accessories can be loud without being louche. The key is to keep the rest of your look pared back and sleek.